The 10 Scariest Things About Patio Doors Repairs

Sliding Patio Doors Repairs

Your sliding patio doors will let in natural light to your home and increase its energy efficiency. However, over time they can show signs of wear and tear that require some maintenance.

Fortunately, the majority of issues with sliding patio screen door repair doors are fairly easy to fix. Find out how to keep your sliding patio doors looking and functioning like new.

Dirty or damaged Tracks

One of the most frequent causes of sliding patio doors that won't open is dirty or blocked tracks. Over time, the dust and grime of everyday use build up on the track and can cause the door to become jammed or even collapse completely.

This buildup can be minimized by incorporating regular light cleaning of tracks and sliding doors in your routine chores. Start by cleaning large debris off the tracks. Then, use warm water and non-abrasive cleansing products such as dish soap to clean them. Add a little vinegar to your cleaning solution can also help remove stubborn grease and dirt staining.

If your sliding door still not moving smoothly even after you've followed these steps, it could be a sign that there is more damage. This could require a professional to repair or replace the door. But, there are simple fixes you can try before calling experts to save on costly repairs or replacements.

It is essential to put a doormat on the bottom of your sliding doors in order to trap dirt before it can reach the tracks. Regularly trim any plants and bushes that are in close proximity to the sliding door to decrease the amount of debris tracked into the tracks. Make sure to close the door properly so it doesn't crash into the tracks and cause damage to the rollers and wheels. You can extend the life of your doors by keeping them clean and lubricated.

Rollers that are misaligned

Occasionally it happens that a sliding patio door can become unbalanced or becomes stuck. This usually happens due to dirt or other obstructions that can be easily removed. However, it can be due to bent tracks or rollers. In the latter scenario you might be able to realign the roller by extracting them using their adjustment screws and cleaning them with rubbing alcohol. These parts can be fragile.

If your doors remain stuck, you can try lubricating the rollers to reduce friction and allow them to slide. Make use of a silicone-based product because petroleum-based lubricants may draw dirt more quickly. It is important to clean the rollers and tracks before applying lubricant.

After cleaning the rollers you can reinstall using their adjustment screws. Make use of the same lubricant you used to clean them. Make sure to push the rollers fully into their channels before reinstalling them. Then, you can test your door to determine whether it slides more effortlessly.

If the problem continues, it might be necessary to uninstall your door and examine the rollers and tracks for more significant problems. If the rollers or tracks are badly bent, they may need to be replaced. In such a case, it's a good idea to get an expert for the installation.

Warped Glass

Sliding glass doors are great for bringing in natural light and the outdoors into a room, but they can also be vulnerable to damages that require repair or replacement. Cracking, warping and fading are a few of the most common problems. The materials that compose the sliding glass patio doors begin to degrade when exposed to sunlight, heat and other environmental elements. Cracking is often caused by impact damage such as the impact of a lawnmowers blade or ball that is smashed into the door. Fading usually occurs because of repeated exposure to sunlight as well as other elements.

If your sliding glass patio doors are difficult to close or open it could be an indication that their rollers and tracks aren't working properly. This issue could be caused by accumulated dirt, rust, or debris in the track or wheels or due to a lack of or lubrication. Cleaning the tracks and rollers clearing obstructions and applying silicone spray may help solve this issue.

The locking mechanism might be faulty which makes it difficult to open or shut your sliding patio door glass repair doors. It could be caused by misalignment, wear and tear, or an amalgamation of both. To fix this, simply adjust the locking mechanism by turning the hidden adjustment screws at the bottom.

Drafts or air leaks that occur around your sliding patio door repair company near me doors are a typical issue that can greatly reduce their energy efficiency. They are usually caused by damaged weather stripping and poor door alignment and is easily fixed by replacing the weather stripping and re-aligning the doors.

Loose Handle

It can be a hassle when the handle of the sliding door is loose. It makes it difficult to open. This is due to an incorrectly aligned lock mechanism. It can be fixed by loosening and tightening the screws that hold it in place.

A loose handle can also result from the handle becoming detached from the spindle which connects it to the inside or handles outside. This is usually the result of a number of factors, including frequent use, wear and tear or just general aging. If the issue isn't addressed quickly, the handle may be loosened and fall off.

The best method to solve this issue is to start by finding the screws that connect the handles' exterior and interior. These screws are usually hidden behind tabs of plastic that can be removed using a flathead (or a Phillips head screwdriver in certain instances) screwdriver. It's a good idea keep these screws in a safe place to ensure that you don't lose them.

After the handles have been removed and the old handles are gone, the next step is to remove the spindle that has become loose. This can be done by tapping on the end with a mallet or hammer until it comes loose from its place within the door. Then, the new handle can be fitted by simply putting the spindle into the hole on the interior handle and then placing the other end of the spindle into the hole on the exterior handle. Once the handle is in place, it can be tightened by screwing the screws back in and then ensuring that the lock and unlock mechanisms work correctly.

Faulty Weatherstripping

Weatherstripping that is damaged or cracked can allow water and air to seep into your patio door, which can compromise your home's comfort and energy efficiency. It could let in moisture and create drafts, which will increase your cooling and heating costs. The good news is that replacing the weatherstripping is a simple repair patio door lock that doesn't require assistance from a professional. You can remove the old weatherstripping by either loosing the staples using a screwdriver, or gently prying it with a putty blade and then pulling it from the door. Clean the area and apply an additional layer of weatherstripping that is backed with a foam seal. This will stop leaks and improve the comfort.

If your sliding patio door is not working as it should, you have to fix the problem immediately to avoid further damage and ensure that they are functional for years to be. Depending on the degree of the issue, DIY or professional repair/replacement may be the best solution.

Most sliding patio door problems are caused by dirty rollers, faulty tracks, and a loose handle. In the majority of instances, these issues can be resolved by regular maintenance and cleaning, including fluidizing the track as well as adjusting the rollers and tightening the hardware. However, if these methods fail, it's advisable consult a professional for advice to make sure that your patio door is functioning as it should. Make sure to check the warranty information prior to you decide to repair or replace your patio door. This will save you money on repairs or replacements later on.